Qatar: Bridging Faiths and Families at the 15th Doha Interfaith Dialogue

A nation in the middle of negotiations for peace between Israel and Hamas, a nation that is home to one of America's largest military bases, a nation that hosted the FIFA games and graciously kept its cultural integrity. The State of Qatar has stood strong as a beacon of peace and security in the Middle East.

15th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue:  Family Structure in Light of a Changing World, Religious Perspective

Dr. Scott was privileged to be a plenary speaker at their 15th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue:  Family Structure in Light of a Changing World, Religious Perspective.  This annual global conference is hosted by the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID.org) in collaboration with the State of Qatar Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences.  ACRF is especially grateful to the Qatari Consul General to the US in Los Angeles, His Excellency Mansoor Abdullah Al-Sulaitin, "for arranging our participation in this important global event. 

15th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue:  Family Structure in Light of a Changing World, Religious Perspective

In the midst of changes across the world, where family is being redefined, the Qatari people stand firm in their beliefs. They believe that marriage is between a man and a woman and that children need solid rearing in a loving family in order to achieve their greatest purpose in life.

It's a conversation that is difficult to have in the United States, yet the Qatari people talk about family life with grace and without seeking to offend. Can we, as Americans, continue to see them as the great people they are and not judge them on how they choose, define, and maintain family integrity for their nation? 

Mr. Rashad Hussain, United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom with Dr. Scott

Sponsored by the State of Qatar, the conference was graced with the presence of members of the Royal Family, the Al Thani family. In addition, faith, business, and governmental leaders from nations around the world provided their unique perspectives on the evolving nature of the family and what that means for their own nation's peace and security. 

Dr. Scott spoke on the importance of recognizing the role of the state in strengthening families, drawing from experiences with disaster preparedness, and building resilience in diverse communities. She also spoke from her own faith tradition as a follower of Jesus, seeking not to judge but to be a light and a beacon as we pool our collective thinking to craft solutions for peace and security that are workable across nations and generations.